Thursday, November 5, 2009

So, I have finally done something that I had avoided in my job search so far - I got pushy.

Why?

I had interviewed for a job at a public interest org in July, and didn't get the job. And they recently posted another job for that same location. Actually, I have interviewed 5 times for jobs at this same organization, in many different locations. And I didn't get any of the jobs. One rejection was b/c they hired a transfer from another office. Another was because the subject area they wanted to hire someone for was unfamiliar to me. I know they hired a 2006 grad from another school for one of the positions. One interview just went badly for reasons I can't explain here, but was fallout from my previous life hiring attorneys as an office manager.

So, I wanted to find out whether I had any chance whatsoever of employment at this org. And I emailed to ask just that. Very nicely and professionally, but I did. My email went something like this:

"Dear Ms. Employer: I met with you in July regarding a position with your office. Since then, I have been volunteering at ABC Public Interest Org and working with XYZ Org. Recently, I saw your office posted a new staff attorney opening. As I mentioned during our previous meeting, I am very passionate about working as a legal services attorney, and am still interested in working for your office because of my many connections to the area. Would you be willing to reconsider me for a position in your office? I have attached my resume to refresh your recollection of our previous meeting. Thanks in advance for your consideration. Sincerely, Improvilaw"

This is risky as hell, but had to happen. If this org really has no intention of hiring me, a lack of response to my email will verify that. However, if I was their second choice the last time I applied, I am hoping that they will contact me and say so. Doing this scares me, but it's even more frightening to send in my materials and wait a month or more to find out what's going on.